Application Materials – All Applicants

Test Materials

The Department of Statistics requires all applicants to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for the GRE General Test in order to be considered. The GRE Subject Test in Mathematics is not required but is very helpful, especially for PhD applicants. You must enter your test scores during the application process as well as have them officially submitted to the Graduate College electronically through ETS. The institution code for the GRE to be submitted electronically is 1836. Department codes are not necessary for our institute. As long as the institution code is correct, all departments that you apply to will have access to your test scores through Graduate Admissions Reporting and Download System (GARDS) database.

Information about the Graduate Record Examination can be found at their website, www.gre.org .

*Please note that due to department policy we will not share information regarding the average GRE test scores of current or previous applicants. Though we take the test scores into account for applications, they are only a portion of the review process. Admission consideration is given based on the strength of the entire application, not just the GRE test score.

Letters of Recommendation

Students must have letters of recommendation submitted through the online application system. Please note that at least three (3) letters are required – you can have additional letters submitted, but 3 is the minimum requirement. Letter writers can be instructors, advisors, co-workers, employers, etc., anyone who can speak of your character, strengths, and abilities to be a viable candidate to join our program.

If there is an error with a letter writer’s information after you have submitted your application, please contact stat-admissions@illinois.edu to have corrections made. If one of your letter writers are unable to submit a letter of recommendation before the application deadline, you are permitted to have a replacement letter writer submit in their place. Please contact stat-admissions@illinois.edu with the updated information so that we may update your application information with the new recommender.

You can also have your letter writer submit a letter directly to our office via email to stat-admissions@illinois.edu . For this process, the letter writer will need to send us an email from a verifiable email source, with all of their contact information, such as name, address, organization, etc. In addition to that information, they should also include your information such as full name and your Apply Yourself (SLATE) ID so that it can be matched up with your application more efficiently.

PhD applicants should ask at least one reference writer to comment upon his or her potential as a classroom teacher acting in an independent (i.e., only slightly supervised) teaching position. Poise, language ability, etc. are important here and we would like to have some idea of each applicant's potential in these areas.

Transcripts

For the application process, you only need to submit your unofficial transcripts by uploading them to the application system. If you are an international applicant, your transcripts must be translated to English through the school issuing the transcript or through a verification program like WES. You do not need to send your official transcripts to our office at the time of applying. If you are admitted to the program you will be prompted in your official admission notification from the Graduate College that you must submit your official transcripts. At that time you can either send them directly to the Graduate College or simply bring them with you upon your arrival to the University. If you bring them with you, you will need to make sure they are in an official stamped and sealed envelope from the issuing institute.

For mailing your official transcripts to the Graduate College only after you have received admission:

The Graduate College
507 East Green Street
Suite 101, MC-434,
Champaign, IL 61820
USA

Statement of Purpose – Personal Statement

As part of your application materials, you are required to submit a brief Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement. This is your opportunity to express your interest in the program clearly and succinctly. An ideal Statement of Purpose will demonstrate your command of written English and effectively communicate how your skills will contribute to the program. There is no specific topic or limit to length, but the statement should be no longer than it needs to be.

Resume/CV

Applicants are required to upload their current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) for consideration for admission. There are no restrictions for the length or format of either the Resume or CV.